Why is Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez visiting India at this time, and what is the central focus of the talks?

Rodríguez is visiting India from June 3–7 to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid India’s urgent need to diversify crude oil supplies disrupted by the Iran war, which blocked the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint through which nearly 40% of India’s oil imports previously flowed. Energy security is expected to dominate discussions, alongside broader cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

How has India’s import of Venezuelan oil changed recently, and what does this indicate about shifting energy ties?

India resumed Venezuelan oil imports in April after a yearlong hiatus, with shipments reaching 283,000 barrels per day—the highest since March 2020—and Kpler estimates June arrivals could rise to ~380,000 barrels per day, signaling Venezuela’s growing importance in India’s energy mix, especially as Washington eased sanctions on the OPEC producer.

Venezuela’s Rodríguez to Visit India as War Reshapes Oil Trade

Jun 2, 2026

Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez visits India to bolster energy security as New Delhi diversifies crude supplies disrupted by the Iran conflict. Major refiners like Reliance Industries aim to increase Venezuelan oil imports amid geopolitical shifts.

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